**This is an outdated application** 

If you are a returning athletic coach, please redirect yourself to the following link to complete our 2025 volunteer application for coaches. 

https://bit.ly/2025CoachesSpecialEventsApp

Thank you for applying to volunteer with the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. We strive to provide a safe learning environment for youth and adults. 

This Volunteer Application and Background Check was developed with local and national guidance to follow practices that minimize risks, and protect the people we serve, our organization, and all the residents of Des Moines from potential harm. We ask that volunteers who are working at special events, coaching, driving City vehicles, operating City equipment, or working with vulnerable populations complete our screening process. 

STEP 1:
Please fill out the application, disclosure, waiver of liability and assumption of risk agreement, and our photo release by entering your information in the form below. Once the form is submitted, you will be sent a confirmation email with further instructions and a set of background check links for the next steps. Please watch your email for this confirmation. Contact us at parksvolunteer@dmgov.org if you do not receive the confirmation email with links.

STEP 2:
The links will then take you to the next step in your process to complete your two-step background check with our Background Investigation Bureau (BIB/BCHEX). As a volunteer, you have a choice to self-pay, or have the organization pay if you are unable to pay the background check fee or would like the City of Des Moines to cover the cost. Self-pay background checks may process faster than organization pay.

STEP 3:
As part of the background check process, Background Investigation Bureau (BIB/BCHEX) will also send you State of Iowa paperwork via their SignNow system. That information will go directly back to BIB. Once you complete this form, BIB will send it to the State of Iowa for processing. Please watch your email for this form. The SignNow system will continue to send you reminders from BIB. You have thirty days to complete this step. If you do not complete this portion within the time frame, your background check and application will be canceled and you will not be eligible to volunteer.

*Please enter all information carefully and accurately in each step of the background check process, as errors may cause a delay in your background check being completed.

Once you pass your background check and your application is approved, we will be able to welcome you to our team as a Coach, Instructor, or Special Events volunteer.